Life Jackets, Life Rings, and Life Rafts: A Detailed Explanation of EAC Certification
I. Overview of EAC Certification
EAC certification (Customs Union Technical Regulations Certificate) is a mandatory certification system of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU, comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan), aimed at unifying safety requirements for products within the region and ensuring the free circulation of goods. Its core mark is the EAC mark (Eurasian Economic Union Conformity Mark), and products without certification are not permitted to enter the EAEU market.
II. Applicable Regulations and Scope
EAC certification for life jackets, life rings, and life rafts must comply with TR CU 026/2012 ‘Technical Regulations on the Safety of Small Vessels’ (hereinafter referred to as the ‘Regulations’).
Scope of Application: Annex 1 of the Regulations explicitly lists ‘life jackets,’ ‘life rings,’ and ‘life rafts’ as ‘life-saving equipment’ subject to regulation, falling under the mandatory certification category.
Exclusions: The Regulation does not apply to lifeboats/rescue boats for sea/river vessels, competition-use sports boats (as declared by the manufacturer, such as racing boats or training boats), experimental small boats, etc. However, life jackets, life buoys, and life rafts typically do not fall under these exceptions.
III. Certification Process
The EAC certification process must comply with the Regulation and the requirements of the Eurasian Economic Commission. The specific steps are as follows (using lifesaving equipment as an example):
Step    Description
1. Application    Submit an application to an EAEU-recognised certification body (e.g., Shanghai Jinghe Industry, etc.). The applicant must be a legal entity registered with the EAEU (e.g., the manufacturer's agent, distributor, or branch).
2. Sample Testing    The certification body will take samples and conduct conformity testing in accordance with the safety requirements of TR CU 026/2012 (e.g., buoyancy, weather resistance, reflective performance, etc.).
3. Factory Inspection (if required)    For certifications with a validity period of one year or more (e.g., three years, five years), a factory audit is required (the company must have an ISO 9001 quality management system in place).
4. Certificate Issuance    After passing the testing and audit, the certification body issues the EAC Certificate of Conformity (which must be registered with the Eurasian Economic Commission for the certificate to take effect).

IV. Certification Requirements  
Conformity Documents:  
Products must be accompanied by an EAC Certificate of Conformity (for mass production) or a Declaration of Conformity (for small batches/single batches), demonstrating compliance with the requirements of TR CU 026/2012.
EAC Mark:  
The product itself, packaging, and technical documents (such as manuals and labels) must bear the EAC mark (formatted as ‘EAC’ + certificate number) to indicate that the product has been certified.